PIECE OF MINE is seeking submissions for the Inaugural Black Women in Theatre showcase taking place February 7 & 8, 2020. For three consecutive years we have curated the incredibly moving Black Men in Theatre and now switching gears. Submissions can be from 10 to 90 minutes in length.

Selected participants receive support in the form of a venue, marketing/promotion, and mentorship to workshop their pieces for future development/production.

All art mediums are encouraged although theatre/performance art is prioritized.
***Submissions must be a work you have already started developing or near completion, rather than an idea that has yet to be explored.***

Please email info@pieceofminearts.com with the following by end of day on Wednesday, August 21st @ Midnight.

ALL SUBMISSIONS:
– Full name
– Phone number
– Bio (100 words or less) + names of confirmed collaborators if applicable
– High res headshot
– Synopsis: Title and 4 to 6 sentences of the work you want to present
– Reading Fee ($25)

Playwrights & Actors:
– Excerpt of the script (3-6 pages)

Dance Artists:
– 2 video links of current or past choreography

Visual Artists:
– 2 to 5 images of your work

Musicians:
– 2 audio links of current or past recording
– 1 video link to current or past performance

Guaranteed artists fees are dependent on funding TBC December 2019. If funding is not approved, the box office split will be 70/30 artist/producer. A $25 reading fee is applied for all applicants to be paid by e-transfer to info@pieceofminearts.com. For alternative arrangements please make a note in your application.

Please share and tag artists you think would be interested. Good luck!!

Midway through this fast, furious, in-your-face poetic explosive about anti-black racism, one of the three cast members stops the action and says: “I’m sorry, I’m trying to keep up the pace with this show but ya’ll know it’s draining as fuk to be talking about race all the damn time.”

The joke lands with this audience like a rim shot because this show is not draining in the least. Reactions voiced during a post-show discussion with the actors and the writer/director suggest that exhilarating and affirming would be more like it.

The title The Negroes Are Congregating is a defiant allusion to slave laws that forbade blacks to gather without the presence of a white person. The show traveled to the DC Black Theatre & Arts Festival from Toronto, where it originated in Piece of Mine Arts, a company founded in 2013 by Jamaican-Canadian writer Natasha Adiyana Morris to present “bold works created by multidisciplinary Black artists…that celebrate the vastness of Black culture.”

Written by Morris, the unapologetically black-centric script is a tough, tight choreopoem that starts off with a badass barrage of rapped outrage about everyday experiences of race hate, then segues into satirical sketches—very funny, but with the same dead-serious bite—and finally, with house lights up, becomes a cathartic interaction of rhythmic and emotional bonding with the audience. “Themes of physical, mental, and spiritual freedom cycle from beginning to end,” writes Morris. “There is no fourth wall.”

Morris has directed her text with high-energy blocking and intense choreography, drawing on and showcasing the talents of three protean performers whose nonstop verve and versatility blew me away: Angaer Arop (Female), David Delisca (Male 1), and Dennis W. Langley (Male 2). Their work together on the piece began in 2015, and it has since been in development while touring Canada and the U.S.

Though The Negroes Are Congregating includes a few Toronto-specific references, its depiction of racism—including the internalized kind—seemed completely familiar to this American audience. According to Morris, this has been the case even when the piece was done in Europe. “When your voice is heard and understood,” Morris said during the post-show, “that’s how you know you’re on the same page.”

The piece is performed with such a propulsive momentum that its many caustic zingers whiz by like the wind, for instance:

Integration is a sweet diabetes filled dessert decorated in chocolate and vanilla swirls.
…
Begging your oppressor for justice is as insane as white people leading white privilege workshops.

There’s a brilliant scene that retells the children’s fable of the independent and industrious Little Red Hen, played in counterpoint with narratives about race-based economic barriers to entrepreneurship. And there’s a hilariously harsh sendup of white-led diversity training in the workplace:

Welcome to the meal ticket of the day: Diversity When you think of diversity, I want for you to picture a rainbow with a pot of gold at the end. … [W]e have a real chance here to profit off this ‘multiculturalism’ thing. All we have to do is hire more coloured people but we continue to hold power.

More sobering is a scene in which a black driver is stopped by a white cop. It’s a too-familiar story that ends with the driver being beaten, but what distinguishes the writing is its focus on a bystander black cop who observes the brutality but fears to intervene.

There’s much more dramatic and comedic content about anti-black racism packed into this play’s brief hour, but there’s also an important lens on whiteness, for instance:

How to tell if you don’t actually like your one black friend the way you say you do: Are you more comfortable with the thought of a dog staying in your house than a black person, unattended?
…
There’s nothing sweeter than the sound of white noise. White noise occurs when an unsuspecting white person tries to undermine the intelligence of a person of colour only to be verbally whipped and slayed through facts and wit leaving their opponent stricken, speechless and a face flushed with blood.

Recently more and more mainstream theaters in DC have programmed works that have been created by and about people of color and that do not hesitate to call out—sometimes in jest, sometimes not—white people’s obliviousness to their privilege. Three that come to mind are Hooded, Or Being Black for Dummies at Mosaic, BLKS at Woolly Mammoth, and P.Y.G. or The Mis-Edumacation of Dorian Belle at Studio. This is an estimable aggregation to which The Negroes Are Congregating decidedly belongs. The Negroes Are Congregatingby Natasha Adiyana Morris deserves a full production on a major DC stage.

Dennis will be providing tips and tools to enhance your video editing and production skills including building a brand story, audience engagement, b-roll footage, and digital marketing strategies. Space is limited, first come first serve!!

The workshop takes place on Sunday, May 5, 2019, from 12pm to 4pm Sandbox Studios at 1 Carlaw Ave, Toronto, M4M 2R6.

Ask any high schooler to name at least three African Canadian role models and they may be stumped after ‘Drake.’ Ask those same students to name 10 African-American role models and they may go on forever. This is a troubling gap in our education system that LIVING BLACK GENIUS is dedicated to nurturing. Our program introduces youth to local Black leaders that positively change the way they think about their future goals.

Please share this FREE program with youth ages 13 to 19! It runs Tuesdays & Fridays from September 17th — October 25th, 2019, at UrbanArts’ *NEW* location at Artscape Weston Common, 31 King Street Weston, York (closest intersection Lawrence Ave W. & Weston Rd). Living Black Genius is a Cultural Hotspot SPARK project in partnership with the City of Toronto with UrbanArts.

Pre-registration is open fill out our short form below or click http://bit.ly/livingblackgenius

WRITING FOR PERFORMANCE / PERFORMING COMPLEX WRITING

For creative artists who want to create authentic and provocative writing, as well as performers who want to learn how to make interesting choices in front of an audience. For poets, rappers, singers, actors, playwrights. Participants will work on an original piece.

Led by award-winning playwright, Natasha Adayana Morris, whose work has been presented in Canada, United States and Europe.

]]>http://www.pieceofminearts.com/uncategorized/atlanta-black-theatre-festival-encore-april-10-14/feed/0Plays by Natasha Adiyana Morrishttp://www.pieceofminearts.com/uncategorized/plays-by-natasha-adiyana-morris/
http://www.pieceofminearts.com/uncategorized/plays-by-natasha-adiyana-morris/#respondMon, 05 Nov 2018 16:20:21 +0000http://www.pieceofminearts.com/?p=417Toronto, your city is making MAJOR moves in the DRAMA department. The Raptors aren’t the only bandwagon you need to jump on. Get yo’ life with the rise in contemporary Canadian narratives, layered with untapped imagination and social justice commentary.

// NOVEMBER 27th //

Up next is the homegrown, award-winning, new-kid-on-the-block play: The Negroes Are Congregating written and directed by Natasha Adiyana Morris. The show has been performed this year at the Black Theatre Network Conference in Memphis, TN; the SummerWorks Performance Festival in Toronto, ON, where it won the ‘New Performance Text’ award; the Halifax Fringe in Nova Scotia; and most recently, the Atlanta Black Theatre Festival.

With all the travel and success, there’s still be work to be done. The Negroes Are Congregating is slated to be world premiered in Fall 2019. This is your LAST CHANCE to see the work in Tdot before it touches road.

Starring: Angaer Arop, David Delisca, and Dennis Langley.

// NOVEMBER 28th //

PIECE OF MINE founder, Natasha Adiyana Morris, invites two guest producers, Natasha Powell and Troy Crossfield to share their journey from working freelance to building a company, and the bumps along the way. From Page to Stage will touch on topics including: touring, to tips on how to sell shows, and what funding opportunities are available when you’re starting out. The 3 speakers will have 45 minutes each to share their bite-size nuggets of insight. To close, attendees will have a chance to dig deeper with a 30-minute Q&A.

The talk will most benefit emerging producers or artists in the early stages of starting a performing arts company or collective

// NOVEMBER 29th – DECEMBER 1st // POSTPONED

Join Dr. Bitter’s studio audience for another taping of ‘The ‘R’ Word,’ a live talk show that tackles viewer relationships questions. During commercial breaks witness a range of all too familiar experiences delivered through spoken word, musicality, and rhythm. Have a question that you need answered? Leave it to the Doctor.

half n’ half a one-woman play written and performed by Natasha Adiyana Morris
Directed by Amanda Nicholls

]]>http://www.pieceofminearts.com/uncategorized/plays-by-natasha-adiyana-morris/feed/0PIECE OF MINE presents LIVE: An Afternoon of Health & Wellnesshttp://www.pieceofminearts.com/uncategorized/piece-of-mine-presents-live-an-afternoon-of-health-wellness/
http://www.pieceofminearts.com/uncategorized/piece-of-mine-presents-live-an-afternoon-of-health-wellness/#respondMon, 15 Oct 2018 00:26:25 +0000http://www.pieceofminearts.com/?p=393Join PIECE OF MINE Arts on Saturday, October 20th from 3-6 PM at Jumblies Theatre for a rejuvenating gathering of health/self-care workshops led by professional wellness practitioners. Move, connect and learn about the benefits of yoga, essential oils, and colon hydrotherapy, followed by a fresh meal to close.

The goal of this event is to provide an opportunity to reflect, increase awareness, grow and give back!

All proceeds will go towards the development of local Black theatre artists and our Living Black Genius Youth Program.

SCHEDULE DETAILS

// Yoga 101 // How to use yoga to de-stress and to self-regulate a mindfulness-based practice.

Facilitator: Amanda Nicholls is a graduate of the Theatre Performance Program from Humber College and is a Certified Yoga Instructor (RTY200, Holistic Bodyworx). Amanda has completed her Education Internship at Soulpepper Theatre Company and has taken numerous training workshops with social services agencies such as Crisis Intervention, Conflict Resolution, and Anti Oppression training amongst others. Amanda’s main focus is to provide arts and yoga programming to youth in the G.T.A. Amanda worked as the program coordinator and facilitator of Humber College’s Jump Theatre Project (.JT.P.) summer camp. She also created and ran multiple Literacy through Drama programs at several social agencies such as LAMP, Women’s Habitat, Stonegate Community Health Centre etc. Amanda is the Managing Associate Director of Piece of Mine Arts and is proud to work for New Leaf Foundation a company that supports the mental, emotional and physical well – being of youth in marginalized communities, through yoga and mindfulness-based practices.

// Essential Oils // What all the fuss? How to use them? Where to get the good stuff? + DIY tutorial.

Facilitator: Hi, I’m Liz Agudelo! Seems like a tricky name to pronounce, but it’s not so bad once you give it a try – sound it out like this “Aw-goo-day-low” and that’s as far as my phonetic skills go!

I have my diploma in Child and Youth Work and have a passion for working with families and mothers.
Essential oils have changed my family’s life and now I run my own business through Young Living. I’m looking forward to sharing my oily experiences with you.

// Colon Hydrotherapy and Nutrition 101 // Butt wait!? Colon is the second brain. You are what you eat.

Facilitator: Ellimayah Walker has lived her life with the sole purpose of spreading a measure of truth to the world and being a voice to the voiceless. It was in her soulful pursuit for a greater spiritual enlightenment that she discovers the powerful miracles within, without and around us. She is currently a Colon Hydrotherapy Clinician who is on the verge to venture further into the art of naturopathy.

// Games // Interactive activities to reflect on self-care practices and encourage weekly practices for renewal.

PLEASE BRING A YOGA MAT (CAN BE PROVIDED UPON REQUEST) AND NOTIFY THE ORGANIZERS OF ANY FOOD ALLERGIES/RESTRICTIONS A MINIMUM OF 3 DAYS IN ADVANCE.

]]>http://www.pieceofminearts.com/uncategorized/piece-of-mine-presents-live-an-afternoon-of-health-wellness/feed/0ATL x NAChttp://www.pieceofminearts.com/uncategorized/atl-x-nac/
http://www.pieceofminearts.com/uncategorized/atl-x-nac/#respondFri, 21 Sep 2018 03:13:46 +0000http://www.pieceofminearts.com/?p=384The Negores Are Congregating makes its final 4-city stop in Georgia for the Atlanta Black Theatre Festival! We are excited to perform the show and make new connections.

Having performed at the Black Theatre Network Conference in Memphis, TN; receiving the ‘New Performance Text’ Award for a sold-out run at the acclaimed SummerWorks Festival in Toronto, ON; and receiving standing ovations at the Halifax Fringe Festival in Nova Scotia, this play is ready to blow Atlanta audiences away.

“Talking about race can get exhausting real quick and so I wanted to form my thoughts into live characters, displaying multiple sides of the race conversation. Some characters are full-on revolutionaries, others are complacent, there are parodies and plenty of satire but it ALL reflects uncomfortable truths.”

Produced by Troy De Four; Written and Directed by Natasha Adiyana Morris; Performed by Angaer Arop, David Delisca, and Dennis W. Langley

Limited tickets. Doors open 15 minutes prior to each show. VIP GUESTS and PRIORITY EXPRESS ticket holders are seated first followed by GENERAL ADMISSION. Please arrive early. Late seating is NOT permitted.

]]>http://www.pieceofminearts.com/uncategorized/atl-x-nac/feed/0Halifax Fringehttp://www.pieceofminearts.com/uncategorized/halifax-fringe/
http://www.pieceofminearts.com/uncategorized/halifax-fringe/#respondMon, 20 Aug 2018 10:00:43 +0000http://www.pieceofminearts.com/?p=377HALIFAX! You’re up next to experience the breakout new play ‘The Negroes Are Congregating’ fresh from sold-out SummerWorks Performance Festival. Expect a fusion of spoken word, satire, and soulful dialect, as this story invites audiences to enter a realm of private truths and leave with an understanding of what it means to be Black, proud, and ready.

Written and Directed by Natasha Adiyana Morris; Performed by Angaer Arop, David Delisca, and Dennis W. Langley; Produced by Troy De Four